Neck Pain and Muscle Function

A new study investigated the effect of unilateral posterior neck pain (UPNP)
on neck motion and muscle activation. The study included 20 patients with UPNP and 20 individuals without neck pain to serve as a control group. Investigators measured neck motion during prone neck extension as well as muscle activity with surface electromyography and found that deviation during prone neck extension was greater in the UPNP participants than in the control group. Furthermore, cervical extensor muscle activation in the UPNP group was significantly delayed on the painful side during the same motion. These findings suggest that UPNP affects neck motion and the function of the cervical extensor muscles, triggering a need for specific evaluation and exercises in the management of individual with such neck pain. Chiropractors have extensive training in the evaluation and treatment of neck pain and often prescribe specific exercises to aid in recovery. Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation, March 2017